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Raleigh, NC Cannabis Regulations: Home Cultivation (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Legal Status
Illegal. NC has not legalized cannabis
State Law
NC General Statutes §90-95
Penalty (small)
Misdemeanor for small amounts
Penalty (large)
Felony charges for cultivation operations
Medical Program
None. NC has no medical marijuana program

Summary

Cannabis cultivation is illegal in North Carolina for any purpose. North Carolina has not legalized recreational or medical marijuana, so growing cannabis plants at home in Raleigh is a criminal offense under state law. Possession of marijuana remains illegal, and cultivation can result in felony charges depending on the quantity of plants.

§ 90-95. Violations; penalties.

(a) Except as authorized by this Article, it is unlawful for any person:

(1) To manufacture, sell or deliver, or possess with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver, a controlled substance;

(2) To create, sell or deliver, or possess with intent to sell or deliver, a counterfeit controlled substance;

(3) To possess a controlled substance. [...]

(2) A controlled substance classified in Schedule III, IV, V, or VI shall be punished as a Class I felon, except that the sale of a controlled substance classified in Schedule III, IV, V, or VI shall be punished as a Class H felon. The transfer of less than 5 grams of marijuana for no remuneration shall not constitute a delivery in violation of G.S. 90-95(a)(1).

Source: NC General Statutes §90-95 — Controlled SubstancesView official code

Full Breakdown

Raleigh does not permit home cannabis cultivation under state law. Both recreational and medical marijuana growing are prohibited. Any cannabis plants found on residential property may be seized and the owner faces potential criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment. CBD hemp cultivation may have separate agricultural regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow marijuana at home in Raleigh?
No. Cannabis cultivation is illegal in North Carolina. There is no medical or recreational marijuana program, and growing any amount of cannabis plants is a criminal offense under state law.
Has North Carolina considered legalizing marijuana?
Various bills have been introduced in the NC General Assembly, but as of now none have passed. Cannabis remains fully illegal for both recreational and medical purposes in North Carolina.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Raleigh

All Raleigh rules

Compare Raleigh to another location·View the North Carolina cannabis regulations overview

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